SEA KAYAK ORKNEY AND SHETLAND

Our lead guide Mike used to live out on Orkney - ask him about the place and he'll tell you its his second favourite sea kayaking destination in Scotland, Shetland being the first! We will be visiting both this summer. A sea kayaking holiday to Orkney or Shetland has a lot to offer - the many different aspects and types of coastline coupled with the Atlantic on one side and the North sea on the other means that there will always be lots of energy in the sea. However, its not all big waves and exposed headlands - there are many sheltered sections of coastline to explore and they are no less spectacular than the big Atlantic cliffs. Sea kayaking here as part of a guided trip doesn't necessarily mean you have to be an expert kayaker, the islands are surprisingly accommodating with the right approach. Just being on the Islands is an experience in itself - the visible history is a real highlight as is the unbelievable richness of wildlife. There is a good chance of seeing large Cetaceans with Minke Whales and Killer Whales being the 2 most commons sightings from Sumburgh head on Shetland. So what are you waiting for - come along and see for yourself : )

Orkney and Shetland - 10 day camping or accommodation based trip

Grade:

Trip Grading

GREEN

These trips are designed for people with little or no experience of sea kayaking or those with some sea kayaking experience who just want to go on a relaxing journey. The locations will be based on providing an enjoyable journey that is within the capabilities of a beginner but could be enjoyed by any level of kayaker.

Have little or no experience of sea kayaking.

Want to learn about sea kayaking.

Want to have a good time exploring.

BLUE

These trips are ideal for those who have some sea kayaking experience and want to build on their existing skills, or want to try a more challenging journey. These trips may involve full day of sea kayaking of around 15km and some slightly rougher conditions with winds around force 3/4. The emphasis is on exploring a wild area whilst building skills and experience in sea kayaking. If you have your BCU 2 star award then you'll fit in with these trips.

For those with some experience of sea kayaking.

Can be suited to those with no sea kayaking experience but a good level of fitness and an ability to learn quickly.

Progressive skills and longer journeys.

RED

These trips are for those who enjoy a challenge. Longer days up to 25km, longer open crossings and rougher seas (up to 1m waves) can be expected on these trips. If you have your BCU 3 star sea award (or higher) then these trips are for you.

Suitable for those with an intermediate level of sea kayaking experience (10 days+).

Spectacular locations.

Great if you want to start to build more advanced skills and experience.

Scroll down for dates and prices

THE MOST NORTHERLY SEA KAYAKERS IN BRITAIN

For a moment we had been the most northerly sea kayakers in Britain, paddling out to Muckle Flugga at the very northern edge of the Shetland Isles. The Swell and tide hadn't made things easy but we all pushed on, reveling in the challenge on offer. We reached the lighthouse and looked out across an unbroken arc of sea to the North - there was nothing between us and the Arctic. For the next few hours we paddled between the stacks and cliffs of Hermaness, through caves and tunnels and always in the presence of thousands of seabirds.

We reached the lighthouse and looked out across an unbroken arc of sea to the North - there was nothing between us and the Arctic.

We had paddled underneath the cliffs at Hermaness and watched a few thousand Gannets circle over our heads. Now we set off to walk to the cliff top and watch the Gannets from above. Although it was late in the day there was plenty of light - this far north the sun hardly sets in the summer months. The scene from the cliff top drew us in for hours as we watched the Gannets through the bands of cloud and light that moved over the cliffs. This extreme, wild edge of our islands was fascinating to us - a place none of us could imagine existing amongst our crowded islands.

The cliffs of Hermaness on Unst in Shetland are an incredible place. Home to over 100 000 seabirds in the breeding season.

Our lead guide Mike paddled around the Shetland mainland in 2014, this is some video footage from that trip.

DATES AND PRICES

ORKNEY

£940/ person/ 10 day trip

2017 Dates:

16th - 25th June

Accommodation not included and will be a mix of wild camping and hostel accommodation.

Price includes all food during the trip.

KEY INFORMATION

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

You should be comfortable handling a sea kayak in a range of conditions, confident paddling in force 4 winds and 1m waves is very useful as well as experience of paddling at least 20km in day. If you have your BCU 3 star or 4 star sea (or equivalent experience) then you will get the most from this trip. If you are unsure then get in touch and we can advise further.

TRIP DOSSIER:

Contact usfor a copy of the detailed trip dossier containing a sample itinerary and all important information.

TRIP ITINERARY

ORKNEY

DAY ONE: We will travel up to Orkney from Arisaig, crossing the dramatic Pentland Firth to reach South Ronaldsay, we'll then drive on past Orkney's rich archaeological heritage to our accommodation in the village of Birsay.

DAYS TWO TO FOUR: 4 days to explore the best sea kayaking Orkney has to offer. Favourite day trips include the island of Copinsay - home to thousands of Grey Seals and Puffins. The East mainland is another highlight with dramatic caves and arches. The exposed West coast offers many excellent trips with towering sea stacks and beautiful beaches to explore.

DAY FIVE TO NINE: We arrive on Shetland on the morning of day 5 - we then have 4 full days to explore the Shetland Isles, either setting off on an expedition or running day trips from a base on the islands. The plan is to remain flexible to take full advantage of the conditions and to get the most from our time on the islands.